Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), also known as Sandwich Panels or Stress Panels, have been in use for over 80 years. They are used as a replacement for traditional exterior framing, insulation, and sheathing in both residential and commercial buildings. SIPs are made of an EPS foam core with OSB skins on both sides, adhered together with commercial-grade polyurethane adhesive. This construction method makes them similar in design to an I-beam.

Skins:

The skins of SIPs are typically 7/16″ OSB with a PS 2 structural rating and an Exposure 1 rating. While plywood is another option for the skins, it is not as cost-effective and has size limitations. For coolers, freezers, clean rooms, etc., we offer a variety of skin options including metal and fiberglass. However, these options do not have the structural capability of the OSB skins.

Foam:

We typically use EPS foam for the core of our SIPs at Shoer Insulated Panel Systems, as it is widely available and cost-effective. Other acceptable types of foam include XPS or extruded foam and polyurethane foam. Neopor® GPS foam from BASF is a relatively new option on the market. It is a graphite-infused EPS foam that provides added protection against radiant heat transfer.

Conclusion:

SIPs are load-bearing and can be used for walls, roofs, and even the floor of a building. They are quicker to install and more energy-efficient than standard stick framing. You can read more about the advantages of SIPs here. If you have any questions call or email today, we would love to talk with you.